I really wasn't sure when I started out to do this trip report if I could convey how wonderful this trip was, but the kind words written here by you guys convinced me that I did an ok job of sharing this magical time.
Hollywood/LA
-The Renaissance is a great place to stay with a wonderful location.
-There are a lot of weirdos on Hollywood Blvd but if you ignore them they don't bother you.
-Go exploring & find places that have meaning for you. I am sooooo glad that we rented a car & went to the observatory, the carousel, the cemetary & to have lunch at the Tam O' Shanter Inn. It was a great way to start off our adventure.
-The peppermint ice cream at the Disney Soda fountain is too die for.
-Swanky Hollywood lives at the Roosevelt Hotel-glad we went there for the cool old Hollywood vibe & for one of the best burgers ever at 25 degrees.
Things we didn't get to do but wanted to........
Tour Grauman's Chinese theater
See a movie at the El Capitan
Adventures by Disney
-Backstage Magic is a wonderful trip that I would recommend to any Disney lover because you get to see so many things you could never see on your own.
-Our guides Kristin & Diana were top notch & if they are any indication of what all the guides are like, I would gladly follow them anywhere in the world. They take such good care of you. I am normally a control freak/planner & wasn't sure how I would like reliquishing control to others, but it was nice to have it all planned out for us & not to have to think or worry about things. I can really see how this would be a plus in a foreign country!!!!!!
-We met some great people on this trip. It was awesome being on this kind of trip with people that understood what was so special about it. I think we have made some friends that we will have for a long time.
-Seeing Jim Henson's studios-the creature shop, talking with Michael the puppeteer were definite highlights & such a unique experience.
-Imagineering-ok not a complaint but I have wondered in some places why we couldn't have our camera here because really we didn't see anything that isn't out there & public knowledge. That being said, maybe it's because if we had them it would take them forever to get us out of there. Loved seeing LUCKY---definite highlight. Loved seeing the original artwork in the John Hench hallway--great works of art that no one besides the Imagineers will ever see. Want a job there!!!!!!!!!
-Walt Disney Studios-great amount of history & great to see the places I had dreamed of seeing like Stage 2 where Mary Poppins flew into Cherry Tree Lane & the old Animation building. Wish list of things I would like to have seen here----new Animation building, multiplane camera, Walt's office & archives.
-Behind the Scenes at
Disneyland-WOW!!!!!!!!!!!! Loved every minute of this. Can't believe how big Circle D ranch is, so cool to see the train up close & then the monorail pull out right above it. Learned alot!!!
-Walt's apartment-I think you all know how I felt about this. This was the selling point of this trip for me & it did not disappoint. It is an experience that deeply affected me & one that I will not soon forget.
-Prime viewing for parade, Fantasmic & fireworks---this really was awesome to get great viewing & just walk up 15 minutes before things started. This was a great perk.
-Fast passes-Another great perk was getting numerous fast passes daily to use. I liked how they could be used for any fast pass attraction.
-Great meals-enough choices for everyone & even got wine with dinner several times which even on a cruise you have to pay extra for.
I JUST CANNOT SAY ENOUGH ABOUT HOW WONDERFUL I THINK ADVENTURES BY DISNEY IS & HOW ON TARGET THIS TRIP IS FOR DISNEY LOVERS. IT WAS EXPENSIVE, BUT WELL WORTH EVERY PENNY FOR THE MEMORIES WE WILL CARRY WITH US FOR A LIFETIME.
Disneyland
-Loved the Grand Californian for it's location & for the beauty of the place. The lobby is someplace I wish we had been able to hang out more in--to sit in front of the fireplace & just chill would be an awesome thing to do.
-Disneyland park has a feeling all it's own. It is unique & so very special. I am not kidding when I say that I felt Walt's presence there & I loved knowing that he had walked the same places & seen the same things I was seeing.
-Disneyland is smaller, but makes up for it in character & intimacy.
-Speaking of character...well characters, they were GREAT at Disneyland. We had the best Tigger ever accompanied by a very funny Rabbit who was trying to keep him in check. We had wonderful character interactions & got to see some unique characters. There is something to be said for the element of surprise at character meals at Disneyland when you are never sure who you will see while at WDW the meals are very themed & you would never see Tigger, Captain Hook & the White Rabbit at the same meal.
-Loved the queue lines for most of the rides at Disneyland-they felt more detailed & like they told a more in depth story that at WDW especially in Fantasyland.
-Disneyland wins hands down on Space Mountain, Pirates, Small World (for the gorgeous facade), & Fantasmic (real sailing ship with Captain Hook & Peter Pan doing battle).
-Chrismastime at Disneyland is magical. The decorations are spectacular.
Things we didn't get to do but have to go back for soon......
Ride Alice, tea cups, Matterhorn, Storybookland & Casey Jr. Climb the treehouse. Spend more time playing in Toontown.
SHOP----how did I not leave myself enough time to do this?????????
EAT---didn't have pomme frites, skewers from Bengal BBQ, a corn dog, cancelled Steakhouse 55 & many many more!!!!!!!!!!
Regular parade, regular fireworks & Main Street Electrical Parade.
To see the new California Adventure--I am excited about the plans.
We do not have another trip to Disneyland on the horizon in the immediate future but we will go back I know that for sure. There is too much magic there not to go back & experience it again. Maybe when the new Cali Adventure is done..........or maybe before then.
Thank you all for reading this trip report. I have really enjoyed everyone's comments & it has been a pleasure having you all come along with us on this adventure.
I leave you with this quote that was in a biography of Walt that I was reading while at Disneyland & finished when I got back.
"But the world fades away when Mr Disney begins weaving his spell & enchantment takes hold." Frank Nugent from the NY Times 1938
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I am glad my love of Disney shone through. This is the best place to show that off cause you guys are the ones who really understand it best-other people think it's weird.
Thank you for writing this in depth Trip Report. We could all live vicariously through you. I felt as those I was along for the ride. It was a great journey. I'm sorry it has come to an end. I can't wait to see where "we" go next. 
but I have my scrapbook to work on now so maybe that will hold off the blues.
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